Critical Skills Employment Permit
Table of Content:
Critical Skills Employment Permit in Ireland
The Critical Skills Employment Permit is one of the most sought-after ways to work in Ireland. Designed to attract highly skilled professionals, this permit encourages talented individuals to contribute to the Irish labour market and eventually consider permanent residence in the country.
Occupations eligible for this permit are considered essential to Ireland’s economic growth. They are highly demanded, require specialized skills, and face a significant shortage in the local labour market. The full list of eligible roles can be found in the Critical Skills Occupations List.
A major advantage of this permit is that eligible jobs do not need to undergo the Labour Market Needs Test, making the process faster and more straightforward.
The Critical Skills Employment Permit has now replaced the former Green Card employment permit, solidifying its status as the top choice for skilled professionals aiming to build their career in Ireland.
Critical Skills Employment Permit in Ireland: Eligibility & Requirements
If you are from a country outside the European Economic Area (non-EEA), the UK, or Switzerland, you must secure an employment permit before coming to Ireland. In some cases, you may also need an entry visa if your country requires one.
If you already reside in Ireland with a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) stamps 1, 1A, 2, 2A, or 3 and have been offered a role on the Critical Skills Occupations List, you may also be eligible for the Critical Skills Employment Permit.
What jobs are eligible for Critical Skills Employment Permit?
Before jumping into more detail, please note that two types of occupation lists are issued by The Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment (DETE):
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Critical Skills Occupations List – contains jobs eligible for a Critical Skills Employment Permit.
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Ineligible List of Occupations for Employment Permits – contains jobs not eligible for any Employment Permits in Ireland. Occupations on this list are not eligible for a Critical Skills Employment Permit or a General Employment Permit.
Eligibility for a Critical Skills Employment Permit is largely determined by the type of occupation and proposed remuneration level. There are generally two routes:
Route 1 – Standard Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
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Job must belong to the Critical Skills Occupations List.
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Minimum annual salary: €38,000. From 1 March 2026, minimum salary for Critical Skills Employment Permits will increase from €38,000 to €40,904
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Job must be permanent or of at least 2 years’ duration.
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Prospective employee must hold a relevant degree qualification or higher.
Route 2 – High Salary Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
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All occupations with annual salary over €64,000, excluding those on the Ineligible List or contrary to public interest.
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Prospective employee must have a relevant degree or equivalent experience.
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Job must be permanent or of at least 2 years’ duration.
Employer Criteria
Applications will only be accepted from employers who:
Are registered with the Revenue Commissioners and the Companies Registration Office/Registry of Friendly Societies (if applicable) and are currently trading in Ireland.
Maintain a direct employer–employee relationship, paying the employee directly.
Have at least 50% EEA nationals among employees (50:50 rule), though exceptions may apply under certain conditions.
Requirements for Employees Applying for a Critical Skills Employment Permit
To be eligible under the Critical Skills Employment Permit scheme, employees must meet certain qualification and job offer requirements:
Qualification
The educational qualifications, skills, and experience required depend on the job type and proposed annual salary.
For jobs with a salary of €38,000 or more, a relevant degree or higher qualification is required.
For jobs with a salary of €64,000 or more, a relevant degree or equivalent experience is required.
For nurses and midwives, a degree or diploma recognized by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) is mandatory.
Job Offer
Must be from a Revenue Commissioners-registered employer that is actively trading in Ireland.
Job must be at least 2 years in duration or permanent.
The employee must be directly employed and paid by the employer.
Important: Jobs offered through recruitment agencies or intermediaries are not eligible for this permit.
What Employers Need to Know About the Critical Skills Employment Permit
Employers applying for a Critical Skills Employment Permit must meet the following criteria:
Be registered with the Revenue Commissioners and the Companies Registration Office (or Registry of Friendly Societies, if applicable) and be actively trading in Ireland.
Ensure a genuine employer–employee relationship, where the prospective employee is employed, salaried, and paid directly by the employer.
At the time of application, at least 50% of employees must be EEA nationals (the “50:50 rule”). For start-ups operating less than two years, this requirement may be waived under certain conditions.
Benefits of the Critical Skills Employment Permit
The Critical Skills Employment Permit offers a range of advantages for both employees and employers:
Pathway to Permanent Residence: Permit holders can apply for Stamp 4 and take up permanent residence in Ireland after two years of employment.
Family Reunification: Holders can bring their immediate family to Ireland under the reunification scheme.
Work Rights for Partners: Spouses or de facto partners arriving through family reunification can work for any employer in Ireland.
Simplified Hiring for Employers: Employers do not need to complete a Labour Market Needs Test, which speeds up recruitment and reduces the administrative burden and costs of hiring overseas talent.
Application Procedure for the Critical Skills Employment Permit in Ireland
Applications for a Critical Skills Employment Permit should be submitted at least 12 weeks before the proposed employment start date. The process involves three main stages:
Complete the application form along with all required documentation.
Application processing, where your submission is placed in the official queue.
Decision review, where an authorized official examines the application and may request additional information if necessary to reach a decision.
The application form must include:
A detailed description of the employee’s role, remuneration (excluding bonuses), and start date.
Information on the required educational qualifications, skills, or experience for the job.
The process may seem complex, but Visawebs is here to guide you every step of the way. Our experts ensure your application is accurate, complete, and fully compliant with all requirements.
Processing Time for the Critical Skills Employment Permit in Ireland
The typical processing time for a Critical Skills Employment Permit application is 4 to 6 weeks. However, if your employer is a trusted partner, the process can be accelerated to 1 to 2 weeks.
We understand that waiting can be stressful. Visawebs is committed to closely following up with the department, ensuring a faster turnaround and keeping you informed every step of the way.
Contact Visawebs today for expert guidance and professional assistance with your application.Why Choose Visawebs?
Expert Guidance
With decades of experience in immigration and employment permits, we provide precise and reliable guidance every step of the way.
Streamlined Process
We simplify complex requirements and procedures, saving you time, effort, and unnecessary stress throughout the application.
Trusted Support
Thousands of successful applications and satisfied clients rely on us for professional, efficient, and dependable service.
Have any Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my qualification is equivalent to an Irish degree?
If you hold a foreign qualification or completed your studies overseas, you can compare your qualification type and level on the NARIC website, where you can also download a comparability statement.
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NFQ Level 7: Ordinary Bachelor’s Degree
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NFQ Level 8: Honours Bachelor’s Degree
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NFQ Level 9: Master’s Degree
Will I get a refund if my Critical Skills Employment Permit is rejected or withdrawn?
Yes. The Department provides refunds in the following cases:
If your application is refused, you will receive a 90% refund of the fee paid.
If your application is withdrawn, you will receive a full refund.
Refunds typically take 7 to 8 weeks to process
